Influenced of Yield and Yield Contributing Characters of Tuberose by the Application of Bulb and Fertilizers

Tuberose (Polianthus tuberose L.) which occupies important place in ornamental horticulture is one of the commercially exploited flower crops belonging to the family Amaryllidaceae. It has a great economic potential for cut flower trade and essential oil industry (Alan et al., 2007). The long spikes of tuberose are used for vase decoration and bouquet preparation and the florets for making artistic garlands, ornaments and buttonhole use. The natural flower oil of tuberose is one of the most expensive perfumer’s raw materials. The impact of increased fertilizer use on crop production has been large and important (Shankar et al., 2010). Cowdung, farm yard manure, poultry manure, vermicompost and also green manure are excellent sources of organic matter as well as primary plant nutrients (Pieters, 2005). In recent years, there has been serious concern about long-term adverse effect of continuous and indiscriminate use of inorganic fertilizers on deterioration of soil structure, soil health and environmental pollution (Singh, 2000). In contrast to organic fertilizers can improve soil structure, improve nutrient exchange and maintain soil health and that is why interests have been raising in organic farming (Mitra, 2010). Fertilizers have great influence on growth, building and flower production in tuberose (Polara et al., 2004). Effect of chemical and manures on tuberose production has been reported by several authors for different geographical region (Nanjan et al, 1980; Yadav et al, 1985; Singh et al., 2005; Shankar et al., 2010). Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium have a significant effect on spike production and floret quality (Singh et al., 2004). Poultry manure is an excellent organic fertilizer, as it contains high nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other essential nutrients (Garg and Bahla, 2008). Vermicompost has been shown to have high levels of total and available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, micronutrients, microbial and enzyme activities and growth regulators (Chaoui et al., 2003). When plants are grown by large size bulb, enhance to vigorous growth, long spikes, large number of florets per spike, delay senescence and to achieve the maximum bulb and yield. Small sized bulbs produce the shortest spike and rachis, minimum florets per spike, contribute lower yield of bulb and flowers (Khayrunnessa, 2008). Sometimes from small size bulb, flowering may early before the completion of full vegetative growth, often senescence starts earlier (Vandor Valk & Timmer, 1974). In case of tuberose, number of flower per spikes and bulb production per plant increases with large sized bulbs (Mukhopdahyay et al., 1986). Considering the facts, such research is very important for the greater interest of the scientist as well as the growers of our country. The objectives were- to find out Page | 132 International Journal of Environmental & Agriculture Research (IJOEAR) ISSN:[2454-1850] [Vol-2, Issue-10, October- 2016] the optimum size of bulb of tuberose for achieving the maximum growth, flower and bulb yield of tuberose; to investigate the effect of different fertilizers on growth and yield of tuberose and to identify the suitable combination of bulb size and fertilizers for ensuring the higher flower and bulb yield of tuberose.